Patna University has extended the form-filling dates for undergraduate seats at its affiliated colleges. According to the new schedule, the last date for online form submission is May 31.

Earlier, the last date for applying online was May 21, but the varsity decided to extend the dates, as results of the Intermediate examination conducted by Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is yet to be declared.

An official at Bihar School Examination Board said: "The Intermediate results will be declared on May 30, while the matriculation results will be declared by June 15."

The admission process for undergraduate courses at Patna University colleges started on April 3.

From this year, the university is accepting only online applications.

Students after downloading the forms from the Patna University website www.patnauniversity.ac.in has to apply for the desired courses and colleges.

Patna University pro-vice-chancellor Dolly Sinha, however, said: "The varsity decided to extend the form-filling dates after students demanded it."

Sources said the varsity has not received applications as many as it had expected. For BA, BSc, BCom, BEd and vocational courses, the varsity has received only around 22,000 applications. The highest number was for BEd courses, as against 300 seats, the varsity has received 7,000 applications.

Dolly Sinha said: "For BEd courses we have received applications from Punjab and the Northeast too. Had it been an offline application procedure, the varsity would have not received such a large number of applications."

Echoing the views of Sinha, Patna University student Vishwajeet Kumar said: "BEd is a sought-after course. The demand for BEd has gone up as the National Council for Teacher Education has made it mandatory for all teachers working in government as well as private schools to have a BEd degree."

Vishwajeet, who is in the final year of his graduation from BN College, said: "After completing my undergraduation, I will go for a BEd at Patna University or some other university."